SIMTech Leads Precision Engineering Industry into Virtual Machining Age

With the help of Local Enterprise and Association Development Programme (LEAD), Singapore Precision Engineering and Tooling Association (SPETA) has implemented SIMTech 3D virtual machining technology into training classroom.

SPETA has identified several critical areas to enhance the capabilities of the PE companies. One example is the training of computer numeric control (CNC) machinists, which traditionally requires one machine for one machinist, resulting in heavy capital investment. SPETA, together with SIMTech, developed a simulator for training CNC machinists – somewhat like the flight simulators to train pilots – which will significantly trim the training hours on the actual machine and machine resources required. As a result, the number of students trained is doubled.

This is the world’s first simulator that uses a three-dimensional precise unified geometrical model and it allows students to simulate the milling process and save the “machined” model for other downstream machining process. The virtual CNC simulator also allows for different situations to be tested during training, which would be costly if done on the machines. The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) is in discussion with SPETA to integrate this simulator into its curriculum.

“SPETA, together with SIMTECH, has developed a simulator for training computer numeric control machinists, which can significantly reduce the hours and machine resources required, compared to traditional training methods. In other words, trainees would be able to practice different and more types of machining requirements within the same allocated training time. With this additional preparation, trainees would have a shorter learning cycle when they start working with the companies. I am pleased to note that the Institute of Technical Education (or ITE) is already in discussion with SPETA to integrate this simulator into their training curriculum.” - Speech by the Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr Lee Yi Shyan at the Showcase of SPETA LEAD Projects at Yishun SAFRA on Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Virtual CNC Training Lab has been featured daily during MTA 2007

SIMTech attended SPETA's 25th Anniversary & MTA2007 Industry Night